With the theme “Stars, Stripes and Fireworks,” Moreno Valley marked the nation’s 243rd birthday Thursday, July 4 with a full day of activities.

Member of Orgullo Mexicano Folkloric, Giselle Ruiz, 17, dances during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Michelle Barlow takes photos during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

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Members of the Aurora Monroe School Dance Team perform during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Sofia Garcia, 6, waves her flag during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Welton King waves his flags during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Mary Flake participates on the March Field Air Museum entry during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

A reflection is seen of members of the Pacific Crest Drum & Bugle Corps from Diamond Bar on a trumpet during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Members of Cub Scout Pack 100 participate during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Peyton McCray, 4, runs toward her family after picking up some candy during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Brooklynn Arnold from the Moreno Valley All District Marching Band performs during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Member of the Styxx Entertainment Float, Javon Lee, 12, dances during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Members of the Moreno Valley All District Marching Band perform during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Members of the Moreno Valley All District Marching Band perform during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Meembers of the West Side Steppers Drill Team and Drum Squad perform during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

A member of the Patriot Guard Riders during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Members of the CYSC All Stars participate at the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

Linda McKinley from Trailseekers of Moreno Valley rides her horse Drummer during the annual Fourth of July parade in Moreno Valley on Thursday July 4, 2019. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

The city joined those across the Inland area in celebrating the holiday with patriotic events.

Moreno Valley’s festivities began in the morning with the annual Fourth of July parade down Frederick Street and TownGate Boulevard. The focus of fun then shifted to Morrison Park and Mountain View Middle School, where a festival was staged. Residents sampled food and drinks from vendors, played games, made crafts, visited community booths and rocked with the performances of several bands.

Dave is a general assignment reporter based in Riverside, writing about a wide variety of topics ranging from drones and El Nino to trains and wildfires. He has worked for five newspapers in four states: Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and California. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Colorado State University in 1981. Loves hiking, tennis, baseball, the beach, the Lakers and golden retrievers. He is from the Denver area.

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